Aircraft and Flight Details
• Operator: Cathay Pacific
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A350-1000
• Registration: B-LXM
• Flight Number: CX-811
• Route: Boston, MA (USA) to Hong Kong (China)
• Date: 20 January 2025
• Occupants: 302 (passengers and crew)
Incident Summary
Cathay Pacific flight CX-811 encountered a fire on board shortly after takeoff from Boston’s Logan International Airport. The crew, following standard emergency protocols, declared a Mayday and immediately took action to address the situation. The aircraft safely returned to Boston after completing necessary procedures, including fuel dumping to reduce weight.
Sequence of Events
1. Takeoff:
• The Airbus A350-1000 departed from Boston’s runway 33L, climbing towards its cruise altitude.
2. Emergency Declaration:
• During the initial climb, the crew detected smoke in the cabin and declared a Mayday.
• Oxygen masks were donned, and the aircraft levelled off at 4,000 feet to assess the situation.
3. Fire Assessment:
• The crew reported that the fire appeared to be extinguished but continued to maintain emergency procedures.
4. Weight Reduction:
• Due to the aircraft’s weight exceeding safe landing limits, the crew conducted fuel dumping over the Atlantic Ocean to prepare for a safe return.
5. Landing:
• Approximately 60 minutes after departure, the aircraft performed a safe overweight landing on runway 33L at Boston Logan International Airport.
• Emergency services were on standby but were not required to intervene upon landing.
Aftermath
The passengers disembarked safely without injuries. The aircraft remains on the ground at Boston Logan International Airport as of 22 January 2025, undergoing inspections and maintenance.
Investigation
The airline and relevant authorities, including the FAA, are investigating the cause of the smoke and fire. Initial checks will focus on:
• Electrical Systems: Potential faults in wiring or equipment.
• Cabin Systems: Inspection of galley equipment, cabin ventilation, and other systems that could contribute to smoke or fire.
• Fire Suppression: Effectiveness of onboard fire suppression systems.
Impact on Operations
• Flight CX-811 was cancelled, and passengers were rebooked on alternate flights.
• The incident aircraft remains out of service, with a delay in returning to operation pending investigation and repairs.
Disclaimer
This report is based on the facts and information available at the time of writing. We cannot guarantee the completeness or absolute accuracy of the information provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them to be removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
